Goddess Fortuna Muliebris

Sisters of the Burning Branch Presents...

The Goddess Fortuna, Fortuna Muliebris

"Girl with a Basket of Fruit" by Frederic Leighton -Public domain

by E. Sylvia

An Italian Goddess of the Harvest, Fortuna may be recognized by Her cornucopia overflowing with the sweetness of fruit. She grew up to symbolize good fortune for many different reasons throughout the enormous Roman Empire, which included many countries in Europe, the United Kingdom, and parts of Africa and Asia.

For each type of luck the Goddess Fortuna offered, She received a new title, and numerous festivals were held for Her blessings throughout each year. As Fortuna Bona She represented the best of luck; as Fortuna Redux, the good fortune of returning home safely from afar; as Fortuna Huiusque Diei, the blessings of mindful presence in the now. Thalia Took lists more than 40 facets of the Goddess Fortuna in her Obscure Goddess Online Directory.

Perhaps the most important attribute for Goddess study, although not well known to many Wiccans, is Her aspect of Fortuna Muliebris; "Feminine Fortuna" according to Google Translate. Deep within the patriarchal heart of ancient Rome, an all-female priestesshood led the feminist women's temple of Fortuna Muliebris. The festival date of Fortuna Muliebris was December 1.

Her other symbols include the wheel, mother Goddess, earth element and the Wheel of Fortune; card number 10 in the tarot. Her colors are gray, green, gold, silver (contemporary) and the intense purple, red and gold colors of harvest fruits (ancient). Her incense is frankincense and Her attributes include wealth, hidden treasures, prosperity, and abundance.

Ritual

This ritual is held during the bright light of day; the time of the fruit harvest. You may wear joyful colors of the fruit harvest, burn your favorite botanical incense and perhaps place some locally grown fruit (from a farmer's market or your yard) on your altar, and this is optional. You, your sacred space, and your intention are the only things you will really need for this ritual.

Perform your preferred purification, cast the circle and call the directions as usual. If you wish, light incense. Speak the following prayer and meditate on what it means to you. Raise energy and send your intention. Remember to ground any excess energy before thanking the directions and opening the circle. If you have fruit on your altar, eat a piece of it, giving thanks for your good fortune of receiving.

Prayer of Thanks and Peace

Goddess, who empowers us to speak with our minds, and with our hearts,

We give thanks for peace, with all the colors of the earth and sky,

We give thanks for peace with a strong voice in red.

We give thanks for peace with intelligence in orange.

We give thanks for peace with great success in yellow.

We give thanks for peace with all our love in green.

We give thanks for peace with our spirituality in blue.

We give thanks for peace with wisdom in indigo.

We give thanks for peace with guidance in purple.

We give thanks for peace with enlightenment in white.

We give thanks for peace in the sunlight in gold.

We give thanks for peace with resolve in gray.

We give thanks for peace under the stars in silver.

We give thanks for peace as the change occurs in black.

We give thanks to those who listen and follow the path of peace.

And so it is blessed, favorable, fruitful and fortunate,

Goddess Fortuna Muliebris!

Blessed be.

E. Sylvia. p.s. Fortuna (with permission)